Yes, the only way they will emerge as a valued asset is if they are thrown off as a concentrate at some point in the process.

In addition, the amount you mention for piling on pads for heap leach is quite high. After the concentrattion process the fine material can be heaped with conveyor technology for a lot less than $1/ton. Now the pad construction, with a clay base, drainage, sprayage and rubber liner is another matter. They can cost something, ( I am not sure how much), but can be used over and over again so the cost is amortized over many years. The winter freeze? Can they be kept warm with a blanket or some such? Again, something I do not know. However with $500 million or more worth of PGMs in there, they will study it and might find a way?